Who Is Banksy?

Lesson made on June 6, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

Banksy is a famous street artist from England. Nobody knows exactly who he is. He keeps his real name and face a secret. Banksy wants people to look at his art, not at him. This mystery makes people even more curious.

Banksy began making street art in the 1990s. He uses stencils to paint on walls, buildings, and streets. This helps him work quickly and avoid getting caught. His art is called graffiti or street art. It often expresses ideas about war, money, and unfairness in the world.

Some of Banksy’s most famous works include pictures of rats. These animals often stand for people who feel ignored but still fight back. Banksy also paints police officers in surprising ways. These pictures make people think about power and safety.

In 2015, Banksy has made several powerful pieces in Gaza, a part of Palestine. One shows children swinging from a guard tower as if it were a playground ride. Another shows a cat with very large eyes sitting in front of destroyed buildings. In an interview, Banksy said he painted the cat because people on the internet pay more attention to pictures of cats than pictures of war. He also painted the wall to look like it’s broken, revealing beautiful scenery behind it. These works make people think deeply about life in Gaza.

Even though Banksy’s art is on public walls, some people try to take it down and sell it. He does not like this. He believes art should be for everyone, not just for rich people.

Comprehension Quiz:

1. What is the main idea of the article?

a) Banksy is a famous painter who only works in museums.
b) Banksy is a street artist who makes people think about social problems.
c) Banksy wants to become famous and sell his art for a lot of money.
d) Banksy’s real identity is a secret.

2. Why does Banksy keep his identity a secret?

a) He wants people to focus on his art.
b) He is very shy.
c) He is afraid of rats.
d) Because he is not a real person.

3. Why does Banksy use stencils?

a) Because he doesn’t know how to paint.
b) Because he can avoid getting caught.
c) Because stencils are very expensive.
d) Because he likes simple art.

4. What can we understand about Banksy’s opinion on war?

a) He thinks war is necessary for solving problems.
b) He doesn’t care about war.
c) He thinks war is unfair and wants people to think about it.
d) He wants to be a soldier.

5. Why did Banksy paint a cat in Gaza?

a) Because he wanted to make people laugh.
b) Because people pay more attention to cats than war.
c) Because cats are popular pets in Gaza.
d) Because he didn’t have time to paint something better.

6. Why does Banksy not like people selling his street art?

a) He thinks art should be free for everyone.
b) He wants the money himself.
c) He only sells his art to rich people.
d) He doesn’t care what happens to his art.

7. What does Banksy’s choice to paint on walls tell us?

a) He does not like paper.
b) He wants people to see his art in public places.
c) He cannot afford a studio.
d) He wants to destroy buildings.

8. Why might people want to remove and sell Banksy’s art?

a) It is illegal to leave it on walls.
b) They think it is not good art.
c) They want to clean the streets.
d) His art is worth a lot of money.

9. Which of these statements is false?

a) Banksy paints about war and unfairness.
b) Banksy uses stencils to make art quickly.
c) Banksy wants his art to be sold in galleries.
d) Banksy painted in Gaza in 2015.

10. What can we guess about Banksy’s personality?

a) He cares more about money than art.
b) He wants to be famous and recognized.
c) He cares about social problems and fairness.
d) He doesn’t like people looking at his art.

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. If Banksy painted a mural in your city, what social issue do you think he should highlight? Why?

2. Do you think Banksy should reveal his identity someday? Why or why not?

3. Does your city have any interesting graffiti? What does it look like, and why do you think the artist made it?

Photos of Banksy’s art

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